KEYWORD1:
Provider Education
Videoconference

BACKGROUND:
Like many states, Hawaii has been challenged with providing educational opportunities for immunization providers statewide despite geographic barriers.

OBJECTIVE:
By utilizing videoconferencing capabilities, the Hawaii Immunization Program has been able to provide timely, pertinent, and accessible educational opportunities to immunization providers statewide.

METHOD:
The State of Hawaii has three videoconferencing networks currently in use. Videoconferencing networks provide the bridge (connection) between Videoconferencing Centers (VCCs). A VCC is a facility that enables people to communicate with each other in real time video and audio modes. Each network is comprised of 7-13 VCCs. By linking a combination of VCCs from each network, users are able to reach all islands within the State.
Coordination of the use of multiple networks and VCCs requires advanced planning and financial funding. Fees for the use of the videoconferencing networks range from $20.00 to $90.00 per hour per VCC.

RESULT:
Despite initial participant concerns regarding the standard delay in transmission when utilizing the VCC, evaluations showed that participants enjoyed the convenience of viewing the course at a site in their community and felt that the live, interactive question and answer portion of the course was beneficial.

CONCLUSION:
The utilization of the VCC networks has allowed the Hawaii Immunization Program to provide quality educational opportunities to immunization providers statewide. It is our recommendation that other states research the availability and feasibility of incorporating similar technology in their provider education efforts.
LEARNINGOBJECTIVES:
1. Participants will be able to name at least two benefits to utilizing videoconference capabilities to educate immunization providers statewide.
2. Participants will be able to identify two obstacles to utilizing videoconference capabilities to educate immunization providers statewide.